Brakes, how can you tell if their worn out?

[Jeff]

I was just wondering b/c the back brakes on my 400ex sounds like its rubbing or something, sounds like dirt or something is in it grinding, but I have washed it out pretty good. I dont know if its that or that my pads are getting wore down metal to metal. I aint took my brake caliper (sp?) off yet so I cant really see the pads. Its stopping real good, I mean I can lock it down. Anybody know what I can do or if its the pads??

Also, how can you tell when you need to tighten your chain up?? Mines doing fine but im just wondering how you can tell when it needs it...

[400exRacerX]

Take the caliper off and look at the pads,,, its only 2 bolts that holds the caliper on.

[nakomis0]

Ok chain first, without sitting on the bike, you should be able to move the chain about 1 1/2 inches of play. Anymore and it needs adjusting.

If you can't see your rear brake pad just by looking at it it prolly needs to be changed.
They do have a little indicator mark, and arm, that tells how much pad you have left. You can look for that. The closer the mark and arm is the less pad you have. When they are inline with eachother than you have no pad.

you need new break pads when you notice that your not stopping

[250EXChik29]

Isnt the back brake on the 400ex always working and thats why they run out quick? Is that the reason for the brake block for the back brake? (say that 4 times fast :D ) I dunno.. I dont have a 400 but my husband does and I know he blocked off that back brake for a reason... not just cause it looks trick. :confused:

[YLW400]

Most people take the park brake off because it's useless. I used mine, and after two trips on the trailer, it didnt work anymore. It will work, but you have to re-adjust your back brake. It's just a hassle.... It weighs too much!! j/k

I just did the brakes on my 400ex and I never heard a sound coming from them, but I just checked the indicator and it said it was time to change them and it was correct. So maybe you could try this! I didn't think it was hard, but make sure that the bolt to the emergency brake is loose. Hope this works for u.

[YLW400]

I have only had my 400 for about 6months and I need brakes already. Ahhh who needs brakes anyway, they are over rated!

[JabberJaw]

I just drag a stick on the ground!

Unscrew that bolt on the brake, your emergency brake is on!

Originally posted by JabberJaw
I just drag a stick on the ground!